Homegrown chief executive Andrew Tuck says the festival has supported 335 artists over two decades.
Today its purpose remains the same as it was on day one: to back Kiwi music and give it the stage it deserves, he said.
Fat Freddy’s Drop. Photo / Supplied
“To have artists who stood on the very first Homegrown stage 20 years ago now sharing the spotlight with some of Aotearoa’s biggest names two decades later is something truly special. This festival has always been about championing Kiwi music and giving our artists a massive platform to shine.”
Tuck says the lineup spans everything from rock to reggae, hip hop to house, with a classic Kiwi singalong or two thrown in for good measure.
“This year we have 15 acts performing at Jim Beam Homegrown that have never played for us before.
Sir Dave Dobbyn. Photo / TomGrut
“The breadth and depth of talent in this country is extraordinary, and that’s why Homegrown is still going strong two decades later. Five stages, multiple genres and generations of Kiwi music mean there’s something for everyone, from 18 to 81.”
The festival returns to Claudelands Oval, Kirikiriroa Hamilton on April 3, 2027, for its second edition since moving from Wellington.
Full first lineup: Fat Freddy’s Drop, Full Metal Orchestra, Shapeshifter, Sir Dave Dobbyn, Devilskin, The Exponents, Kora, Gin Wigmore, Hori Shaw Shed Party, Opshop, Troy Kingi: Night Lords, Savage, Elemeno P, Pirapus, Club Sachi, Montell2099, No Cigar, Tadpole, Jon Toogood, Tiki Taane, Sub-Tribe, P-Money, Ché-Fu & The Kratez, Written by Wolves, Dartz, HALFQUEEN, Beccie B and General Lee (back-to-back), Black Comet, Caru & Brandn Shiraz, Dera Meelan, Dick Johnson, PRINS, Pixie Lane, DJ Sir-Vere, Aunty El, Sean Hill, Sunshine Sound System.